Guide to Choosing the Best Pond Shape

Like so many other things, more is less when you are deciding on the best pond shape to use for your water garden. The best pond shapes take into account the curves, water flow, surface area and water depth, so choosing the perfect pond shape is crucial to the success of your water garden.

When it comes to choosing the best pond shape, here are a few things that you need to take into consideration.

Size of Your Pond
There are several things that will predetermine the size of your pond, but in general bigger is always better. The more room that you have for your pond, the better because it gives you more surface area for the free flow of oxygen. The size of your pond should also take into consideration the number of fish and plants you want to include in your water garden. You do not want to overstock the pond with fish or add more plants to the pond than it can sustain.

Ideal Shapes for Ponds
The actual shape of a pond is a big part of your water garden and gives the shape to the overall garden. The ideal shape of the pond needs to be visually appealing, but you cannot overlook the practicality of the shape either. When you are dealing with artificial ponds it is important to look to nature and replicate the shapes that are commonly seen, because these shapes tend to mix well and are healthier for a reason. Elongated and kidney bean shapes work the best because water is able to flow freely through all areas. Ponds with narrow arms or offshoots and those with separated pools are not ideal.

Get the Most Out of Surface Area and Depth
Like the actual size of your pond, more is better when it comes to surface area, but depth as well. Depending on what you are going to keep in your pond, there is a minimum depth that must be maintained. Fish require that water is at least three feet deep, but with an adequate surface area for the exchange of oxygen to occur and maintain them. In the winter, this depth is crucial to the survival of your pond fish, because they will winter on the bottom of the pond. A pond that will house only plants does not require as much depth, but it too needs to be able to provide for the minimum depth that the plants will need to thrive.

By taking the time to consider each of these important factors before you begin digging and install your pond, you save yourself a lot of time and frustration. The well planned pond can be turned into a beautiful water garden that thrives and flourishes for years to come, when done right.